let me start by once again welcoming president barack obama and his administration to thailand. thailand is the first country president obama choose to visit following the election less than two weeks ago. we recognize the significance of the president and we all thank you for being here today. president obama, it is the perfect occasion to launch the celebration of 180 anniversary of thailand next year. i thank president obama and secretary clinton for actively promo promote... this afternoon i have the honor of accompanying the president for an audience with his majesty the king. the close relationship between our two countries at the highest level. lastly, at the bilateral meetings we had... discussion a partnership. thailand is the oldest ally of u.s. in asia and a long lasting one with commitment to democracy, human rights and free markets. i expressed to the president that it is my firm commitment to the people to preserve and protect the democratic system and i have shared the president's support of democracy in thailand. and democracy will lead to economic prospects. we